A/N: Hi guys, I'm back with the next chapter.
QUEENADDEK- There was a spumor that never came true about Sharon sleeping with random guys during her blackouts, and my Mom is convinced that one of those guys is really Faith's father so I pretty much ran with that. Right now, Sharon doesn't know but who he is will come into play later.
tanya2byour21- Yeah I love the song myself too... I went back and forth through a few names but thought that song fit the story best overall. Thanks for always reviewing on prety much all my stuff.
Love Hurts
Make you feel warm when you feel cold.
And if you down on happiness,
you better get used to the taste of sadness.
Cause love can sure hurt sometimes.
Love hurts and it don't; Love don't always work.
Love ain't all it seems, it feels good but it stings.
Love hurts and it don't…
Phyllis grabbed her luggage from the exchange, placing the black suitcase on the side of her before grabbing her daughter's smaller pink one. She pulled the black suitcase with one hand while the other held to her daughter's hand tightly, Summer proudly pulling her own luggage.
As they stepped outside, Phyllis' face light up as she saw the man waiting for them.
"Philly!" the sienna man stepped towards her and embraced her in a hug. "Did you miss me Angel?"
"Of course I did," she smiled, "but I'm sure you missed me more."
"You are probably right," he leaned down to take a look at the little girl beside her. "Hey there Beautiful, looking just like your mother?" He glanced up at his friend. "She's the spitting image of you."
"Thanks," Phyllis answered. "Can you say hi Summer?"
"Hi," she smiled up at him, holding out her hand like an adult. "I'm Summer Newman."
"Well hello Summer Newman," he shook her hand. "It's very nice to meet you. I am a good friend of your mother's, Damon Porter."
"Nice to meet you too Damon Porter," she smiled.
"Shall we?" he said as he took their bags from them.
Phyllis took one last look at the airport before grabbing her daughter's hand and following Damon to the silver Ford Escape Hybrid SUV waiting for them, hoping to leave the pain of the past behind.
Nick sat on the couch in The Tack House, twirling the glass of scotch in his hand idly before downing the rest of the warm liquid. It stung a little bit as it flowed down his throat but he supposed on some level he deserved that pain and much more. He'd left his great love for his first love and silently wondered if it were indeed possible to have two loves of your life. The question several years ago would have seemed ridiculous to him but in his current situation, it was a valid ponderance. He wondered how he could've loved Sharon so utterly and completely before Phyllis came along; if it were possible for love to erase love. All he knew now is that he felt like he'd made the biggest mistake of his life. Nick knew he would always love Sharon but he was in love with Phyllis. She'd introduced him to a type of love he never knew even existed and he'd driven her away, trying to recapture a romanticized version of the youthful love he and Sharon had shared so long ago. Shaking his head, he refilled his glass and took another long drink.
"Dad?" Noah's questioning voice came from the doorway. "What are you doing here?"
"Hey Son," Nick cleared his throat before putting down the glass and turning towards his son. "What's up?"
"I came by to get the picture Summer drew me," he said as he walked over to the table where the drawing lay. "I forgot it earlier."
"You were here earlier?" he stood up.
"Yeah," he nodded. "I wanted to see them before they left."
He squinted in thought. "Phyllis… Phyllis called you?"
"Yeah," he nodded slowly. "Dad, what's going on? Why are you here?"
"I live here," even as he said the words he know it sounded like a weak explanation.
"Not for the past few days," Noah replied before peering at his father. "Tell me you didn't do what I think you did. Tell me you didn't just wait till Phyllis and my little sister moved out so you and mom could move in here and prepare for the new baby."
"No, no, no," Nick shook his head adamantly. "Your mother isn't here." He sighed deeply. "Look son, maybe you might want to sit down for this."
"What is it now?" the young man sighed as he did what he was told. "Where is mom?"
"She's at The Athletic Club I'm sure," he ran a hand over his face as he prepared to deliver the news. "The results for the paternity test came in and the baby-the baby's not mine Noah." He let out a shaky breath. "I was just so convinced that it was going to work this time and I know we told you this was it this time but…"
"But what dad?" he interrupted, unable to keep the irritation out of his voice. "You found out it wasn't your baby so you walked out on mom just the way you walked out on Phyllis and mom before that and Phyllis and mom?"
"Noah," he started but stopped as his son continued to speak.
"No dad you have to stop doing this," he stated firmly. "You knew; we all knew that this baby might be Jack's too but you still made a commitment to mom."
"It's not Jack's baby either," Nick paused, "or Billy's."
Noah nodded, vaguely remembering Jack's brother in the running as well before his brows furrowed at what his father just told him. "Wait, what do you mean the baby isn't Jack's or Billy's or yours? Whose is it?"
"Look son," he paused briefly, not knowing how to explain this to his son when he couldn't even explain it to himself. "Your mother was going through a really rough time and she's no exactly sure who your baby sister's father is," he paused briefly. "It's a girl, by the way."
"Whose father could be anyone," he ran his hand through his hair. "Unbelievable! This," he stood up. "This is why I wanted to divorce you two. You guys are so messed up. My mom doesn't even know who fathered her kid and you 're headed towards becoming a Mormon so you won't have to chose what wife you want to be with."
"Noah that's enough!" Nick bellowed, standing up as well.
"You're right dad, it is enough," Noah said. "I've had enough," he snatched up the picture his little sister had drawn for him. "I hope Phyllis never brings Summer back so she never has to grow up in your craziness; I should've gone with them."
"Noah," Nick called as his son turned away from him and rushed out the door. "Noah," he yelled as he ran to the doorway, "Noah!" He watched as his son ran off in the distance before returning back to the couch and staring at his glass before picking it up. "Damn it!" Nick chucked the glass at the wall, watching as it shattered and the brown liquid slid down the wall.
Phyllis looked out of the window as Damon navigated down the highway. She looked back at her daughter who was sleeping in the backseat before her eyes went back to the window. She looked out at the darkened city, watching as they blurred past the red rocky landscape in the distance and the twinkling of the city lights below.
"I still can not believe you are here," Damon said as he turned off on an off ramp. "It's been a lot of years."
"Yeah, a lot of years," she said with a far away look in her eyes. "I just, I had to get out of there but I worry about my daughter, if I'm doing what's right for her." She paused as her eyes took a quick look at the slumbering child. "Am I-am I doing what's right Damon because I just- I'm not sure anymore."
"Hey," he reached a hand over to hold hers, squeezing it reassuringly. "You needed this time away and I promise what is best for your baby girl is what's best for her mother."
"Thank you," she smiled at him. "You've really come through for me and for my daughter and you're right, I need this." She let out a deep breath, "After everything I've been through with this-this marriage, I was looking in the mirror wondering who was staring back at me. I mean, I was this Stepford Wife and you know me; that's not me."
"I do know you Philly and you are right, that is certainly not the woman I know," he replied, "but we're going to help you get that feisty, sexy, take no prisoners woman I met so many years ago back."
"You think I can?" she asked, her voice lighter than it was only moments ago.
"Baby I know you can," he said as he pulled up to the perimeter gate, reaching p on the sun visor for the remote to open it.
"Wow," Phyllis said impressed as the drove through the gate and up the road to The Ranch-style home. "This is amazing Damon, really amazing."
"I try," he shrugged modestly. "It is home."
"It's beautiful Damon," she spoke as they exited the SUV before opening the door to the back.
"Leave the luggage," he announced. "Just bring that beautiful little girl of yours and I will come get the bags after I show you to your room."
"Thanks," she said before unhooking Summer out of the car seat and pulling her into her arms.
"Mommy," she yawned as her mother carried her through the open doorway.
"We're here baby girl," Phyllis said with a smile.
"I'm tired," Summer yawned again as she snuggled closer to her mother.
"I know sweetheart," she said soothingly as she stroked her daughter's hair.
"I will show you the room you two will be sleeping in tonight," Damon said as he led them down the hall. "I figure she will want to sleep with you tonight but after she gets comfortable, there is another room."
"Thanks," she said as she followed him and then laid her child gently on the bed, "for everything."
"You are definitely welcome," he replied. "You hungry?"
"Sure," she nodded. "I'll be there as soon as I get her settled."
"Then I will go get your bags," he offered her a smile before exiting the room.
"This is good, this is going to be good," Phyllis said to herself as she gently removed her daughter's jacket and shoes. "It is… it's going to work out. Everything is going to be fine." She only hoped she wasn't lying to herself.
Nick dialed his wife's cell number once again, his irritation continuously growing as he reached her voicemail for the fifth time tonight. He threw the cell phone down on the couch before making his way over to her discarded black sweater shirt thrown over the chair. The pain in his chest as he thought of not seeing her seemed unbearable and he suddenly wondered if this was how she felt when he walked out on her. It had only been hours since he found out Phyllis left and already he felt like he was losing his mind. Nick went to pick up her shirt, inhaling the scent of her perfume and remembering the last time he'd seen her wear it.
"Listen, I want you to sit down," Nick said as he led her to the couch, watching her sit before he sat down as well.
Phyllis rested her hands on her knees before turning towards him with a fake smile. "What?"
"If you ever have any concerns about where I am or who I'm with," he paused briefly, watching as she picked up one of Summer's toys in anxious energy, "all you have to do is ask me."
"I'm not," she sighed with a shake of her head, "gonna do something like that."
"Why?" Nick raised his shoulders in a small shrug. "Instead of worrying about this, you should've just talked to me. "
"I couldn't do that," he voice raised ever so slightly.
Nick matched her tone, though his voice sounded less stressed. "Why not?"
"Because," she said with a sigh, "I felt stupid." She looked down briefly before hr blue orbs met his green. "I felt stupid that I let Heather," she rolled her eyes at the mere mention of the woman's name, "of all people, get to me. And it would've sounded like I didn't trust you."
He let out a deep breath as he shook his head. "Look, its okay, you know?" His eyes met hers. "Every married person has vulnerable moments."
She tilted her head with a smile. "Do you have vulnerable moments about me?"
"Well, yeah," he said with his own smile before his face turned serious again. "I mean... I'm amazed that you will even look at me, let alone love me."
Phyllis let out a laugh. "You're a liar," she said before leaning in to kiss him.
"Look, I broke my wedding vows to be with you." Nick scooted closer to her, his voice sincere. "And as crazy as I am about you, and I can't even imagine my life without you in it," he waved his hands in the air to emphasize the point, "I still regret all the pain I've caused."
"I know," Phyllis nodded before her eyes became downcast.
There was a pregnant pause as they looked at each other. "Look," he paused briefly, "I don't ever wanna do that again to anyone, and least of all you."
Phyllis nodded. "Okay."
"I love you," he said as he moved closer, still seeing some hesitation in her eyes. "And I'm gonna be honest to you and faithful to you, I promise you that." He smiled at the light in her eyes before they leaned into each other for another kiss, his one deeper than the last.
"You flew all night?" Phyllis murmured against his cheek as he placed soft kisses down the side of her face.
"Mm-hmm," he replied between kisses.
Phyllis pulled back with a small mischievous glint in her eyes. "Do you wanna go to bed?"
"Yes," the word came out of his mouth eagerly. "I don't have to go alone, do I?" he asked between small kisses before kissing her even deeper.
"Uhh-uhh," she smiled against his lips.
Nick broke from their make out session. "Wanna race?" he asked before they both hopped up excitedly.
Summer had let out a cry after that and they both went off to do other things but when they came home later they'd taken up where they left off, making love into the wee hours of the morning. It had been only eights months ago but his world had changed more drastically than he could imagine. He'd meant every word he said to her that day, yet for some reason he had treated her the same way he'd done Sharon; only Phyllis had never been unfaithful to him the way Sharon had. Phyllis had never been emotionally involved with another man while being married to him like Sharon had, yet he'd treated their marriage with the same disregard when he should've been treating it with even more respect. His eyes drifting to what looked like a legal notepad, an idea of who could help him took hold.
Sighing heavily, he reached for his cell phone again before dialing a familiar number, the relief filling him as he heard a voice answer. "Michael?" he couldn't contain the hopefulness in his voice.
"Yes, hello," the lawyer spoke into the phone. "This is Michael Baldwin."
"Michael," he paused briefly. "It's Nick."
"Nicholas," he drew out the name, "it's pretty late; is this an emergency or can this wait till tomorrow?"
"You know damn well it's an emergency Michael," he blew out a frustrated breath. "Where is my wife?"
"If you're referring to Phyllis she decided to take a little time for herself after you walked out on her for Sharon," he explained, feeling fiercely protective of his best friend.
"Where did she go?" Nick asked, ignoring the snip in the attorney's voice. "I need to know where my wife and my daughter are; I can't lose my little girl too." He sounded lost when he spoke the last sentence.
He let out a small sigh, allowing himself to feel sympathy for the man on the other end of the line, albeit small. "Phyllis," he paused, "she would never keep Summer away from you. I'm sure she'll let you know where they are."
"She's not answering her phone," he replied. "Look I know I-I messed up but I need to talk to her and every time I call it just goes to voicemail and Jack was no help letting me know where she and Summer took off to."
"I don't know what Phyllis did or didn't tell Jack but I can assure you she didn't divulge where she was going to me as her best friend," he replied. "It was my understanding that Phyllis planned to call you before she left."
"She did but I missed the call," his patience was waning. "Look Baldwin, I know Phyllis and she wouldn't just take off without letting you know."
"I'm sorry Nicholas but I can't help you," Michael replied. "Now it's late and if there's nothing more pressing, I need to spend time with my wife and son, let them know I appreciate them; I'm sure you understand."
"Michael…" Nick began to speak but was cut off by the lawyer talking over him
"I'm sure she'll give you a call tomorrow," and with that Michael hung up the phone.
"Michael," Nick bellowed into the phone before hurling it across the room. "Damn it!" He yelled at himself before sinking down on the couch and burying his head in his hands, cursing himself for his indecision.
Phyllis stood on the deck, looking out at the acreage before her. She had to admit that this place was breathtaking, though it reminded her of Los Alamos and that brought memories in and of itself.
"Hey Angel," Damon said as he stepped up behind her.
"He keeps calling," she said as her eyes stared out absently. "I just, I can't talk to him yet." She shook her head. "He must be going crazy right now." She shrugged; her back still to him. "Maybe he thinks I'm taking Summer away from him."
"If Nicholas knows you at all he knows that that is something you would never do," he replied.
"I hope so," she let out a deep sigh. "I'll call him tomorrow but tonight I just... I need..."
"Hey," he waited for her to turn around and face him, "You alright?"
She shook her head. "No, no I'm not." She clenched her hands into fists. "Even here, I can't help but think about him. I'm just, I'm crazy, right?" She looked up at her friend, her blue orbs filled with turmoil. "I mean I have to be to still be in love," he voice cracked as she felt tears began to fill her eyes, "to be in love with this man who has broken me."
"You are not crazy," he reached up to hold her shoulders. "You may have put your trust in the wrong man but…"
"May have," she interrupted. "No, I did put my trust in the wrong man but this-this is my fault. I did this; I did this by getting involved with a married man."
"Baby," he shook his head. "You did not do this."
"But I did, I did," she said with tears in her eyes. "I let myself believe in happy endings but there is no such thing as a happy ending." She shook her head adamantly, her red hair whipping around her, "not for women like me."
"Hey," he said as his chocolate orbs stared down into hers. "You are talking about a very good friend of mine and I happen to think she is one of the best women I have ever met." He bent down a little, brining them more to eye level with each other. "You are brave and fearless and loyal and beautiful and passionate. You, you made me feel again when I thought there was nothing left to feel in this world. I know it hurts like hell right now but you, you did everything for me and I intend to be here for you every step of the way."
"Thank you," she sad before falling into his arms, relishing in the comfort of his warm embrace. "I don't know what I'd be doing right now without you."
"You will never have to find out," Damon hugged her tightly. "You are strong Phyllis; you will get through this. It won't hurt forever; I promise."
Phyllis snuggled closer, hoping he was right.
